Space saving hat and purse storage device

ABSTRACT

A space saving hat and purse storage device for providing an improved method and apparatus for storing hats. One example of the storage device comprises a door connecting member for being positioned adjacent to the top portion of a door and an elongated member extending downward vertically from the door connecting member adjacent the first side of the door. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks, for hanging purses, extend from the elongated member, wherein each hook has a detachable, substantially soft rounded portion at its proximal end for hanging a hat. Secondary hooks extend from the elongated member for hanging scarves.

PRIORITY REFERENCE

This application is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/549,261 filed on Oct. 13, 2006 in the name of Kim Laney and entitled SPACE SAVING HAT AND PURSE STORAGE DEVICE.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This claimed technology relates generally to a storage device and, more particularly, to a device for storing articles such as hats, towels, robes, purses, ties and other accessories.

BACKGROUND

Hat owners often struggle to find appropriate ways to store their hats. If stored improperly, a hat can easily contract inwardly due to its soft nature, thereby distorting the shape of the hat and decreasing its aesthetic quality. Thus, hat owners often utilize hat racks. However, the typical hat rack requires a large amount of floor or counter space, and can be unattractive.

In order to reduce the amount of space required for a hat rack, some hat racks have been adapted to fit over the top of a door. However, these hat racks are only suitable for storing hats. Accordingly, a need remains for a device for storing hats, towels, robes, purses, ties, scarves and other accessories in a space-saving, convenient manner.

SUMMARY

The following is not in any way to limit, define or otherwise establish the scope of legal protection. In general terms, the present claimed technology relates to a space saving hat and purse storage device. One object is to provide an improved method and apparatus for storing and/or hanging hats, towels, robes, purses, ties and other accessories. Further objects, embodiments, forms, benefits, aspects, features and advantages of the claimed technology may be obtained from the description, drawings and claims provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a space saving storage device, shown on a door.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a space saving storage device.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the first embodiment of the space saving storage device, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a space saving storage device, shown on a door.

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a space saving storage device, shown on a door.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a space saving storage device, shown on a door.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the space saving storage device, as shown in FIG. 1, shown engaging a hat, purse and scarf.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a space saving storage device.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a storage device.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a space saving storage device.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a space saving storage device.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged view of the encircled region shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a space saving storage device.

FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of the encircled region shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a space saving storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a space saving storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A-13B are perspective views of a cap for use with the device in FIG. 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13C-13D are side views of alternative hooks for use with the body member of FIG. 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a hook and sleeve of a space saving storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention and presenting its currently understood best mode of operation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, with such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a space saving storage system 10 for storing hats, purses and scarves. The system 10 includes a door connecting member 20 for being positioned adjacent to the top portion of a door, the door connecting member 20 having an opening 25 extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the door connecting member 20 is an inverted L-shaped thin plate adapted to engage the top portion and first side of the door. The door connecting member 20 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive or the like. The door connecting member 20 may be made of any suitable structural material, such as steel or aluminum, and is may be any thickness including a thickness of between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick to fit between a vast majority of door tops and jambs. However, of course, the door connecting member 20 may be made of any convenient structural material and of any convenient thickness. An elongated member 30, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically from the door connecting member 20 adjacent the first side of the door. The length of the elongated member 30 may be any length. In some cases, it is beneficial for elongated member 30 to have a length of about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated member 30 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 40 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 30 at periodic intervals. Although the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 show pairs of hooks 40, hooks 40 need not be mated in pairs, but may consist of a single row of hoods. Each hook 40 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 50 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 30) for engaging a hat. The rounded portion 50 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 60, for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated member 30 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 40.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a first elongated member 130, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically adjacent the first side of the door from a generally U-shaped door connecting member 120, the door connecting member 120 having an opening 125 extending therethrough. The door connecting member 120 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive, or the like. The door connecting member 120 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel, aluminum or the like, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick to fit between a vast majority of door tops and jambs. The length of the elongated member 130 is typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated member 130 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 140 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 130, typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 140 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 150 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 130) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 150 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 160, such as for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated member 130 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 140. A second elongated member 130′, also having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically from the generally U-shaped door connecting member 120 adjacent the second side of the door. The length of the elongated member 130′ is typically at least about ½ the length of the door. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 140′ extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 130′ at periodic intervals, wherein each hook 140′ has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 150′ at its proximal end for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 150′ is an open or closed cell elastomeric material. A plurality of secondary hooks 160′, such as for engaging scarves, extend from the elongated member 130′ and are respectively positioned between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 140′.

In still another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, a first elongated member 230, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically adjacent the first side of the door from a generally L-shaped door connecting member 220, the door connecting member 220 having an opening 225 extending therethrough. The door connecting member 220 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive, or the like. The door connecting member 220 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel or aluminum, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick to fit between a vast majority of door tops and jambs. The elongated member 230 splits into two elongated members 232,234 which extend further downward vertically adjacent the first side of the door typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated members 232,234 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 240 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated members 232,234, typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 240 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 250 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated members 232,234) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 250 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 260, for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated members 232,234 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 240.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 6, a door connecting member 20 is placed over the top portion of a door, the door connecting member 20 having an opening 25. The door connecting member 20 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive, or the like. The door connecting member 20 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel or aluminum, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick to fit between a vast majority of door tops and jambs. An elongated member 30 extends downward vertically from the door connecting member 20 adjacent the first side of the door. The length of the elongated member 30 is typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated member 30 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 40 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 30, typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 40 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 50 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 30) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 50 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 60, for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated member 30 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 40. A hat is hung upon the rounded portion 50, a purse hung upon a generally U-shaped hook 40, and a scarf hung upon a secondary hook 60.

In still another embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the space saving storage system 310 includes an elongated member 330, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, which extends downward vertically adjacent the first side of the door. The elongated member 330 has at least one opening 325 extending therethrough. The elongated member 330 may be attached to the door with a screw, nail, adhesive, or the like. The length of the elongated member 330 is typically about ½ the length of the door, although the elongated member 330 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 340 extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 330, typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 340 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 350 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 330) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 350 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 360, such as for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, extend from the elongated member 330 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 340.

In still another embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the space saving storage system 410 includes a ceiling connecting member 420 for being positioned adjacent to the ceiling of a room or closet, the ceiling connecting member 420 having an opening 425 extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the ceiling connecting member 420 is an inverted L-shaped thin plate adapted to engage the ceiling. The ceiling connecting member 420 may be attached to the ceiling with a screw, nail, adhesive or the like. The ceiling connecting member 420 is typically made of a structural material, such as steel or aluminum, and is more typically between about 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick. However, of course, the ceiling connecting member 420 may be made of any convenient structural material and of any convenient thickness. An elongated member 430, having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, extends downward vertically from the ceiling connecting member 420. The length of the elongated member 430 is typically about ½ the length of the distance from ceiling to floor, although the elongated member 430 may be longer or shorter. A plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 440 typically extend from the anterior surface of the elongated member 430, more typically spaced at periodic intervals. Each hook 440 has a detachable, substantially soft, rounded portion 450 at its proximal end (i.e., the end not connected to the elongated member 430) for engaging a hat. Typically, the rounded portion 450 is a soft, spongy material such as foamed rubber, sponge, an open or closed cell elastomeric material, or the like. A plurality of secondary hooks 460, for engaging scarves, purses, or the like, typically extend from the elongated member 430 and are respectively positioned generally between at least some of the respective pairs of generally U-shaped hooks 440.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a floor standing embodiment of the present invention is shown. Storage device 510 includes elongated body member 530 having a floor stand at one end. A plurality of primary and secondary hooks 540, 560 extend at one end from body member 530 and include removable fitting or cap 550 mounted on the opposite end.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 10A, door mountable storage device 610 is illustrated. Storage device 610 generally includes door connecting member 620, elongated body member 630 and plurality of hooks 640. Door connecting member 620 is j-shaped at one end to form a door mounting portion. This door mounting portion is configured to fit about the top end of a door to thereby hang device 610 on the door. Door connecting member 620 includes lip member 660 b extending outwardly from the outer surface of door connecting member 620. Elongated body member 630 is flat in structure and has an upper end portion 630 a and a lip receiving opening 660 a extending through the upper end portion 630 a. Lip receiving opening 660 a receives lip 660 b to thereby removably couple body member 630 to door connecting member 620. Body member 630 includes an exterior surface from which extends a plurality of item hanging hooks 640. One end of item hanging hooks 640 is fitted with cap 650, which, as discussed in further detail below, is configured to hang various items. It should be understood that storage device 610 and any other device of the present invention may include multiple body members.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 11A, alternative door or wall mountable storage device 710 is illustrated. Similar to storage device 610 (FIG. 10), storage device 710 includes elongated body member 730, from which extends a plurality of item hanging hooks 740. Each of item hanging hooks 740 is fitted at one end with cap 750. Body member 730 is mountable to a door via door connecting member 760 b. Body member 730 includes upper end portion 730 having an connecting member receiving opening 760 a, through which extends connecting member 760 b. Connecting member 760 b may then be secured to a door. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, connecting member 760 b may be in the form of a threaded screw. Alternatively, connecting member 760 b may be in the form of a fastener capable of fastening storage device 710 to a door or wall. Although FIGS. 11 and 11A illustrate device 610 as having only a single connecting member 760 b and a single receiving opening 760 b, device 610 may include multiple such components.

Another embodiment of a storage device, in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated in FIG. 12. Storage device 810 includes body member 830, which is tubular in form and defines a chamber (not shown) as typical with tubular structures. Body member 830 may be equipped with a battery operated lighting device (not shown) of any know form, which may be housed within the chamber of body member 830. Body member 830 includes illuminating portions 830 a, which are formed of a rigid translucent material capable of allowing light from the lighting device to pass therethrough. Body member 830 may also include decorative accent pieces 830 b formed of any material including, for instance, chrome, brass, plastic and colored translucent material. When lighting device is turned on, body member 830 is illuminated. Item hanging hooks 840 extend from body member 830 and have cap 850 fitted on one end.

Still another embodiment of a storage device, in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated in FIG. 13. Storage device 910 includes tubular body member 930 having an exterior surface and an interior surface. Tubular body member 930 includes a plurality of slots 930 a extending between interior and exterior surfaces. Storage device also includes at least on item hanging hook 940 having vertically extending tongue 940 a at one end and a cap receiving end 940 b at the opposite end. Vertically extending tongue 940 a is configured to be receiving within slots 930 a and is adapted to engage slot 930 a and body member 930 to secure hook 940 to body member 930.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, the cap mountable on cap receiving end 940 b (FIG. 13) of hook 940 may have various forms. For instance, cap 950 a may be a padded, rounded structure designed to softly support hats. Cap 950 a includes a hook receiving hole 952 configured to receive cap receiving end 940 b of hook 940 (FIG. 13). Alternatively, cap 950 b may have a rigid disk shape to more firmly support articles such as towels, robes or coats.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the item hanging hooks may also have various forms. For instance, hook 940 a has an elongated linear portion 941 having spaced-apart recesses 942 formed in its upper surface. Recesses 942 are configured to support and space apart a plurality of hangers to thereby support articles on hangers. As shown in FIG. 13D, hook 940 b has an elongated linear portion 941 b having space-apart prongs 942 b extending upwardly from its upper surface. Prongs 942 b are designed to support articles such as belts and ties. It should be understood that although prongs 942 b are illustrated as extending upwardly, hook 940 b can be configured such that linear portion 941 b extends vertically and prongs 942 b extend horizontally to support ties and belts in a different arrangement.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 14, hook 940 c includes elongated linear portion 941 c. Sleeve 970 includes a cylindrical passage 974 configured to receive linear portion 941 c. Sleeve may be mounted on hook 940 c by inserting hook 940 c into passage 974 and sliding sleeve 970 into position on linear portion 941 c. Sleeve 970 includes a plurality of recesses 972 formed on its outer surface. When sleeve 970 is mounted on hook 940 c, recesses 972 are configured to space apart a plurality of hangers. Sleeve 970 allows the user to change the structure of an existing hook. Sleeve 970 may be formed of any material, such as rubber or plastic, which allows it to be mounted on the hook and to support articles.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in the present specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

1. A space saving article storage device for being mounted to a door, the door having a top end, a first side and a second side, the storage device comprising: a door connecting member adapted to be secured to the door, the door connecting member having a j-shaped mounting portion at one end and a lip member extending from an outer surface of the door connecting member, the mounting portion being configured to fit about the top end of the door; an elongated body member having an upper end portion and a lip receiving opening extending through the upper end portion, the lip receiving opening receiving the lip to thereby removably couple the body member to the door connecting member, the body member including an exterior surface, at least one item hanging hook extending from the exterior surface of the body member, the at least one item hanging hook being configured to support the article.
 2. The storage device of claim 1, further including a cap having a hook receiving opening defined therein, and wherein the at least one hook has a cap receiving end configured to fit within the hook receiving opening to thereby attach the cap to the at least one hook.
 3. The storage device of claim 2 wherein the cap includes a padded rounded portion.
 4. The storage device of claim 2 wherein the cap includes a rigid disk portion.
 5. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the at least one hook has an elongated linear portion having an upper surface, elongated linear portion having a plurality of recesses defined in the upper surface.
 6. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the at least one hook has an elongated linear portion having an upper surface and a plurality of spaced-apart prongs extending vertically from the upper surface.
 7. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising a hook sleeve having a cylindrical passage, and wherein the at least one hook has an elongated linear portion, the cylindrical passage receiving the at least one hook therethrough to mount the sleeve on the linear portion, the sleeve having an outer surface including a plurality of recesses defined therein.
 8. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the elongated body member has a tubular portion formed of a translucent material and defining an interior chamber, the elongated body member including a light positioned within the interior chamber to illuminate the translucent material.
 9. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the elongated body member includes an interior surface opposing the exterior surface, and a plurality of slots extending through the body member from the exterior surface to the interior surface, the at least one hook having a tongue portion, the plurality of slots receiving the tongue portion to mount the at least one hook to the body member.
 10. A space saving article storage device comprising: an elongated tubular body member including an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface, a portion of the body member being formed of a translucent material and defining an interior chamber, the elongated body member including a light positioned within the interior chamber to illuminate the translucent material; and at least one item hanging hook extending from the exterior surface of the body member, the at least one item hanging hook being configured to support the article.
 11. The storage device of claim 10 further comprising a door connecting member adapted to be removably secured to a door, the door connecting member having a j-shaped mounting portion at one end and a lip member extending from an outer surface of the door connecting member, the mounting portion being configured to fit about the top end of the door, the body member having an upper end portion and a lip receiving opening defined in the upper end portion, the lip receiving opening receiving the lip to thereby removably couple the body member to the door connecting member.
 12. The storage device of claim 10, further including a cap having a hook receiving opening defined therein, and wherein the at least one hook has a cap receiving end configured to fit within the hook receiving opening to thereby attach the cap to the at least one hook.
 13. The storage device of claim 12 wherein the cap includes a padded rounded portion.
 14. The storage device of claim 12 wherein the cap includes a rigid disk portion.
 15. The storage device of claim 10 wherein the at least one hook has an elongated linear portion having an upper surface, elongated linear portion having a plurality of recesses defined in the upper surface.
 16. The storage device of claim 10 wherein the at least one hook has an elongated linear portion having an upper surface and a plurality of spaced-apart prongs extending vertically from the upper surface.
 17. The storage device of claim 10 further comprising a hook sleeve having a cylindrical passage, and wherein the at least one hook has an elongated linear portion, the cylindrical passage receiving the at least one hook therethrough to mount the sleeve on the linear portion, the sleeve having an outer surface including a plurality of recesses defined therein.
 18. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the elongated body member includes a plurality of slots extending from the exterior surface to the interior surface, the at least one hook having a tongue portion, the plurality of slots receiving the tongue portion to mount the at least one hook to the body member.
 19. The storage device of claim 10 further comprising a door connecting member adapted to be secured to a door, the body member having an upper end portion and a connecting member receiving hole defined in the upper end portion, the door connecting member extending through the receiving hole and into the door to thereby couple the body member to the door.
 20. A space saving article storage device for being mounted to a door, the door having a top end, a first side and a second side, the storage device comprising: a door connecting member adapted to be secured to the door, the door connecting member having a j-shaped mounting portion at one end, the mounting portion being configured to fit about the top end of the door; an elongated body member coupled to the door connecting member and having an exterior surface, and a plurality of article hanging hooks extending from the exterior surface of the body member.
 21. A door hanging conversion device for hanging structures to a door, the door having a top end, the device having a conversion device engaging opening, the conversion device comprising: a door connecting member having a j-shaped mounting portion at one end and a lip member extending from an outer surface of the door connecting member, the mounting portion being configured to fit about the top end of the door and to support the door connecting member on the end of the door, the lip member configured to be received in the conversion device engaging opening. 